Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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6.5. Operational Effects on Regional Seascape Units
6.5.1. All of the proposed WTGs fall well beyond the boundaries of the regional
seascape units lying within the study area. The proposed GWF will not,
therefore, result in any physical effect upon any of the regional seascape
units within the study area. Any effects arising will be limited, therefore, to
indirect effects upon the visual attributes of each seascape unit. The indirect
effects on the visual attributes of each regional seascape unit are considered
in further detail below.
6.5.2. Distances of GWF from the seaward extents of each regional seascape unit
relates to the extent defined in the GSA (‘The unit will generally extend up to
15km offshore’).
Walberswick to Thorpeness
6.5.3. The seaward extent of this regional seascape unit lies approximately 20km
northwest of the nearest GWF WTG. The seascape environment within the
unit is characterised by a gently curving beach of sand and shingle, edged by a
series of dunes and shallow cliffs, with a matrix of marshland, mudflats,
heath and woodland extending across its hinterland. Whilst the presence of
built form along the coast edge is generally very limited, Sizewell power
station forms a notable exception and forms a prominent landmark in
southward views along the coast. There are also southward views, beyond
the boundaries of the unit towards the WTGs of the GGOWF, when
conditions for visibility are very good. As such, the proposed WTGs will not
form a new element in wider views seen from the unit and will generally be
seen in the same southward views as the WTGs of GGOWF and the same
sector of the southward view along the coast as Sizewell power station.
Whilst the proposed WTGs will perceptibly increase the overall spread of
WTGs seen in views towards the seaward horizon, the proposed WTGs will
only cause very minor changes to views due to the presence of the GGOWF
and not significantly impinge on panoramic views across the North Sea to
the east and north. The magnitude of operational effect on the existing
character of the Walberswick to Thorpeness regional seascape unit is
regarded, therefore, to be Low to Negligible. The sensitivity of the unit is
considered to be High-Medium. The overall significance of effect is judged to
be Minor.
Aldeburgh Bay
6.5.4. The seaward extent of this regional seascape unit lies approximately 15km
northwest of the nearest GWF WTG. This unit is characterised by shingle
beaches and a shingle spit along the coast edge and a hinterland of marshland
and undulating coastal farmland. Built form along the coast varies in its